Namaskar,
Everything in this manifested universe is limited, i.e. counted. That means all the resources such as land, water, air are also limited – as is money. There is no such thing as an infinite supply of money. If there is no number on a given currency note then it is viewed as fake.

In this day and age, with top capitalists becoming billionaires there is an extreme dearth of financial resources for others. Because money is limited and the world’s population is nearly 7 billion. In that case, there is not even enough money for everyone on the planet to have 1000 dollars, let alone become a millionaire or billionaire.

Or think in this way.

If in your house you had 2 dozen bananas and there were four or five people living there, then everyone cannot have 20 bananas. And if even one person grabs 20 bananas, there will be hardly anything left for the others in the household.

HOW THEY BECAME RICH

Nowadays, some are becoming very wealthy economically by all kinds of deceptive schemes: Not paying proper wages, white-collar crime, lobbying and making rules in their own favour, and by making others starve and live half-naked. When even a single person becomes a billionaire, then millions of people lose their money and become beggars. The whole society loses its balance.

Yet that is the way things are going on nowadays. And the media is in the hands of the capitalists whereby various glamourous magazines count and glorify the number of billionaires, while those lacking the basic necessities and starving go unnoticed. There is not any news about those who have lost all that they own and got pushed from their hearth and home. Those nameless, faceless people live in obscurity while the ultra-rich are glorified up to the stars.

Those who hoard money are capitalists; and, the only way to solve the situation at present is to create the pressure of circumstances and forcibly remove the money from their hands.

We should all familiarize ourselves with the Proutistic teachings as given by Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar for resolving this dire situation and dealing with such capitalists.

Here we should know and understand exactly how to deal with both capitalists and capitalism – since this greedy way of life is on its last legs. Prout’s policy about the followers of capitalism is very straightforward.

PROUT IS AGAINST THE HOARDING OF WEALTH

We all know that the hoarding of wealth is the practice of capitalism. And that those who do like that are known as capitalists.

Here following Shrii PR Sarkar directs us to take a strong stand against such capitalist exploiters.

“I have discussed above that each of the crude things that we endure or enjoy is limited and so it is not desirable that any of them should be stockpiled in any of the individuals’ possession…Individual hoarding of mundane resources and wealth must be stopped, even by force if need be.” (1)

Further, it is a known fact – as described above – that material wealth is limited. And nowadays the globe is becoming even smaller. So if anyone is hoarding huge wealth then surely they are depriving others of their due and pushing them towards the brink of starvation etc.

Prout philosophy states, “Human hunger is limitless. If it is channelised in the direction of worldly objects, conflicts between one human being and another are bound to persist because mundane wealth is limited. Excessive hoarding of wealth within one group implies scarcity in another.” (2)

Hence by these above mandates, it is clear that Prout is adamantly against the capitalist practice of hoarding wealth and that those capitalists who do like this must be opposed. Such capitalists are enemies of the society.

CONCLUSIVE IDEA

All cannot become billionaires. The theory of capitalism is itself defective, and the staunch adherents of capitalism must be opposed. People must be educated and taught new values where they think for the welfare of others, just as in ideal family life.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Tarakanath

REFERENCES:
1. Universal Humanism
2. Problems of the Day, #37

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

“In the fourth phase the relationship is just like a piece of paper; the unit consciousness of the spiritual aspirant is one side of the paper and the Cosmic Consciousness of Parama Purus’a is the other side of the paper; they are inseparable, one cannot be removed from the other. By His effulgence the unit existence, the existential faculty of the aspirant gets lighted, gets illumined. With His illumination the aspirant is to move forward and enjoy the Supreme Beatitude and the Supreme Composure.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 18, p. 13)

Note: Here above Baba is indirectly guiding about the last part of the practice of dhyana– which every sincere sadhaka practices regularly.
******************************************

O’ Parama Purusa, by Your grace I will go on marching ahead towards the effulgence, my Goal, by avoiding and overcoming all sorts of obstacles like lightening and thunderbolts & meteors. By Your grace, I will not be afraid of the thorns and difficulties on the path. With Your strength, I will root them out, throw them away, and move on and on. O’ my Lord, all my energy is coming from You.

O’ the Supreme Entity, on the path of my forward movement, there so many insects & nuisances. Plus various types of demons, ghosts, witches, and goblins are trying to create disturbances and fear on my journey. But by Your divine grace when I have fixed the determination in my mind to move towards You, then I will not rest until I reach the Goal.

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, by Your grace, with my feet I will go on crushing all the obstacles on the path, no matter how insurmountable they may seem. Baba. Your immense blessing is always with me. You are my Source and You are my Savior…

== WHAT SENIOR ACARYA DIARY SAYS ==
Namaskar,
“Baba’s special teachings about ajagarii and madhukarii from Senior Acarya Diary encapsulate the whole entire spirit of being a real sannyasii in our Marga – and for years and years this was prevalent in our WT cadre, but unfortunately in the present era, since 1990, this essence is waning drastically.”

Such were the words of one of our senior avadhutas at a recent Ananda Marga function.

Thereafter, Dadaji went on to tell us all about Baba’s special teaching of ajagarii and madhukarii vrttis from Senior Acarya Diary. Certainly, Dada did not read from the Diary itself, so what is discussed below is a summary of that day’s discussion.

The overall message was that the spirit of renunciation is waning in our Ananda Marga. That does not mean that our entire wt cadre is suffering from this epidemic, because there are countless dedicated workers in Ananda Marga. Nonetheless, it is a trend that is on the rise.

So let us again investigate the ideals and practice of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis. These qualities will bring balance into our organization, plus Baba furthermore guides us that madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis are the key ingredients of real avadhuta life.

SPIRIT OF MADHUKARII & AJAGARII VRTTIS

The overall idea here is that renunciation, dedication, and sacrifice are the cornerstones of our Ananda Marga way of life. Our saffron flag stands for these ideals – as should our sannyasii order. That is Baba’s design & teaching of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis from Senior Acarya Diary.

In review, madhukar is that black bee which encircles the flowers and only takes that food which it needs at that very moment – nothing more. That madhukar does not gather and hoard bucketfuls of pollen to eat later.

A step up is the ajagar, or python, which does not even move to get its food; it merely eats what comes across its path. So not only does it not gather extra, but that ajagar does not even spend time hunting for food.

That is why in the aparigraha section of the Senior Acarya Diary, Baba specifically states that the madhukar and ajagar represent the only two ways for our WTs to exist in this world. (For more about this refer to Note 2 appended below.)

That means that in their personal lives, our Dadas and Didis are to adjust with the minimum necessities of life – and not get caught up in materialistic pursuits like hoarding money etc. Instead Wts are to use their precious time & energy serving and helping others in all realms, including spiritual elevation. That is the spirit of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.

At the same time, in their social service endeavours, workers can and should collect money for those projects. In that arena of life – for the service of others – they may seek out and gather donations and build up organisational bank accounts to sustain those projects. The account should be submitted to and overseen by a committee. Then there will be trust and commitment from all involved. In their personal life Wts must desist from doing keeping such accounts. Then they will be in accordance with the teachings of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.

Per Baba’s direction in Senior Acarya Diary, that is the only ideal way to live as a WT.

PRESENT DAY STANDARD OF WTS AND GROWTH OF THE MARGA

But tragically a few of our Wts have lost this spirit and are running after transitory allurements. With great idealism, they entered into our Wt cadre but at some point got caught up in the mundane race for material possessions like money, land, property, as well as post and power.

Lost in the wake of that spiritual vacuum, all kinds of negative habits, tendencies, and diseases crop up, and the spirit of renunciation fades. Then those particular workers cannot inspire anyone onto the spiritual path. Thus our numbers in Ananda Marga fail to increase. Whenever any worker loses their spirit of renunciation, then true pracara work cannot be done.

ALL SHOULD EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RENUNCIATION

Only through this pathway of renunciation – madhukra and ajagar – can our Ananda Marga sannyasii order really be something great: An order that represents dedication. That is Guru’s teaching.

In Ananda Vacanamrtam (Hindi) part 26 chapter 11 titled “Dhvaj sanket…”, Baba has given one special formula related with this very topic.

The whole idea of this teaching is that only through dedication and renunciation in the individual sphere can society prosper. For example, if anyone collects bundles of money in their own bank account, that impedes on the welfare of others. This will not bring any relief to the common people, rather it will hinder their ability to grow.

So those with money should not indulge in extravagant luxuries that are beyond the means of ordinary citizens. Until each and every person in the society can afford such amenities, then good people should not use such luxuries. But when those items become accessible and affordable to all, then in good faith it is alright for sadhakas to have those items.

Thus conscientious people use their wealth to raise the living standard of all. If one truly adopts such ideals of renunciation then they can bring smiles and happiness to countless people. So the spirit of sacrifice in one’s own personal life is truly something great and honourable. That is Baba’s guideline from Ananda Vacanamrtam.

BABA’S DIVINE EXAMPLE

And in His own personal life Baba was exemplary in this very approach. For years and years He traveled by railway, bus, or by foot since that was the common standard. And not only that, but the monetary wealth He earned through His railway job He distributed to the various wholetimers etc.

Not only that, before 1970 while He was still working in Jamalpur, Baba traveled to Ranchi and while there saw a newspaper article about a school headmaster’s request for money to fix the leaky roof in his school. The roof was leaking in the students’ classroom and the headmaster requested money for repairs. That very evening Baba went to the school and donated Rs1000 of His own personal money. Today that is roughly equivalent to Rs20,000 or more.

So in all the ways, Baba’s personal way of living stands as the embodiment of renunciation. We should understand and follow Guru’s teaching and adopt the path of renunciation in our individual lives, especially our wts.

A VERY NOBLE ENDEAVOUR

So none should think that ajagarii and madhkarii vrttis are some type of punishment to those wearing saffron. Rather adhering to this ideal code of aparigraha is something quite noble – it allows one to fulfill their mission and command respect in the real sense of the term.

“The dedicated monks and nuns of Ananda Marga have accepted their life of renunciation…to further the cause of human welfare; and through their service, they seek to lead human beings along the path of
righteousness to the abode of Supreme Bliss.” (A Few Problems Solved – 3)

WAY THINGS ARE NOW IN OUR MARGA

Unfortunately now in our Marga, things are developing in an entirely different way. Unfortunately, a more capitalistic mentality has seeped into our sannyasii order as some of our wts have just taken to collecting money, automobiles, big buildings, and registering these things in their own name. Yet all this goes 100% against Baba’s guideline of ajagarii and madhukarii vrttis from Senior Acarya Diary.

The basic formula is that the mind is one; so if one is rushing after money then that same mind does not have inspiration to run after Parama Purusa. Human mind is one, not many.

When the current leaders of AMPS pursue material gain, then there is a ripple effect. Many field workers are idealistic, but when top Dadas shirk their sannyasii vows then that adversely affects others.

In addition, top Dadas force lower posted workers to pay dues. That means they have to pay taxes to higher dadas otherwise they are harassed, threatened, punished, and abused.

Instead of getting respect on points of sadhuhood, restraint, sadhana, helping others, and sacrifice, the culture of our Wts has shifted over to a materialistic or capitalist way of living where prestige is given according to one’s monetary status and post etc.

Certain wealthy Dadas are using their money to garner a lot of respect from some margiis – what to say about non-margiis. However, the real determining factor of a sannyasii is conduct. That is the main measuring rod for determining one’s calibre.

“Those who have the responsibility to show the path to others should be of superlative character with the most refined conduct. They and their followers must move constantly towards all-round development and shreya [ultimate spiritual attainment]. Persons who teach such well-regulated behaviour to others by their own conduct are called ácáryas.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 31, Conduct of an Acarya)

Baba’s guideline for being an ideal Wt / acarya is quite clear. Sadly, all those many Wts who are properly leading a life of renunciation by adhering to the codes of madhukar and ajagar are victimised by top Dadas.

At present, the power structure in AMPS is entirely upside-down. Those central Wts with big pockets have all the power, whereas those service-minded wholetimers are looked upon as a liability and pushed aside.

Unfortunately, this is what is practically happening. If one can generate revenue by any means – just or unjust – and give that money to Centre then they get a high post and lots of prestige; and, if one firmly adheres to 16 Points and their vow of renunciation then they are looked upon as being outdated and expendable, and are written off as a liability and a beggar, unfortunately.

WT’S HAVE RENUNCIATION & NOTHING ELSE

This corporate approach where money is king is not the way things are supposed to be in our Ananda Marga sannyasii order. Baba has designed it completely differently – based on the ideals of the madhukar and ajagar. Where renunciation, not individual ownership, is everything.

For example, in the true Ananda Marga system, if a wt has been working in a particular location for a few years, then when a transfer order is given that very WT will automatically hand over all monies, equipment, funds, and property to the incoming worker. And the Wt who got transferred is to leave that area only with his dress and laungota in hand – & nothing else, except possibly a bus ticket to his new posting.

Now, however, all that has changed: When transferred those Wts sell the property, shift the money to their own black account, clean out all other financial resources, and hand over nil (nothing) to the newly posted worker.

According to our ideal, the only thing that a wt truly “owns” in this material world is their vow of renunciation. Beyond that they have nothing. And that is Baba’s divine system of madhukar and ajagar from Senior Acarya Diary. And that is what makes a sannyasii truly great – then they can really serve others and do great things in this world.

MORE ABOUT THE WAY THINGS ARE NOW IN OUR MARGA

Tragically, in today’s Ananda Marga sannyasii culture, selflessness is not the value cherished by top Dadas.

Now when a posting order comes, most often the Wt who got transferred departs with all the money from the bank account, or that Dada might sell the property and keep the profit, or he might send a cash donation to Centre in order to remain at his post. Or so many things might happen, including sending the monetary wealth and possessions of that jagrti to their laokik family.

Due to a lack of sadhana and straying from the path of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis, some in our WT system have veered off course, where money – not renunciation – is everything.

This severely hinders the ability of workers to serve humanity.

For instance: A Wt is living on an MU with no house and is begging food from villagers as he tries to start various service projects. But then when a senior Dada from Centre arrives with a special, luxury car then the common people think all workers must have a lot of money. They think, “Why is this other Wt begging from me.” When there is a huge incongruity between top Wts and the common people, then there will be feelings of difference. Then our AMPS is unable to serve the local populace.

NOT THE FAULT OF NEW WTS

Some may think that since this problem of money-hoarding within our WT cadre began after 1990 then it is the fault of the new wts. But we cannot blame our younger wts. Rather with pure intention they entered into a system that quickly became ideologically askew due to the greed of the ruling Wts.

When those top factional wts travel around by private jet, chauffeur driven automobiles, keep houses & luxury suites, and deposit millions into their personal bank accounts, then idealistic young workers have hardly a chance of maintaining their vow of renunciation. Rather some get swept up into that, lest they face the consequences of getting pushed aside and receiving one punishment posting after another.

INGREDIENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL ORGANISATION:
RENUNCIATION AND DEDICATION

However to truly became a force in this world dedication is needed.

There are some organisations and religious groups that “succeed and thrive” on this earth because of their dedication. Often times their aims are awry, but they serve and help each other and eat together as one family and that is enough for them to gain success and spread their teachings from one land to the next.

This very faculty of sacrifice is missing in our Ananda Marga nowadays. That is why despite having the great teachings of dharma in our books, due to this blatant lack of renunciation and dedication to help and serve others, our AMPS is stuck, unfortunately, because of some bad apples.

So the spirit of madhukar and ajagar are deeply needed in our Ananda Marga. Prior to 1990 they were present. All the wts did everything and everything for the welfare of Ananda Marga and nothing for their own self. Now the opposite is happening as some are doing anything and everything for their own self and nothing for the welfare of our Ananda Marga.

One bad apple spoils the bunch. So even if a few Dadas are acting selfishly, hoarding money, indulging in luxuries, and going against the spirit of renunciation, then that taints and undermines our entire WT cadre.

So this is a shame. There is no dearth of dedicated workers and margiis in Ananda Marga. There are so many good people. But those dedicated workers just get pushed aside in one corner by the ruling elite.

By this entire manner, the spirit of renunciation and the sacrifice represented by our saffron flag and saffron coloured sannyasiis dress has been severely compromised.

“BE GREAT BY YOUR SADHANA, SERVICE AND SACRIFICE”

“It is action that makes a person great. Be great by your sádhaná, by your service, by your sacrifice.” (Ananda Vanii #20)

Only by recapturing the ideals of ajagar and madhukar can we once again become that great resurgent body that led to the tremendous growth of Ananda Marga. With those ideals absent from certain sannyasiis, our problems will continue. So let us once again rally around the spirit of our saffron flag and embrace Baba’s guidelines from senior acarya diary and build an AMPS organisation that reflects the cornerstones of sacrifice and renunciation.

“Everyone should render service to the world in accordance with their capacity and work for the welfare of the living beings to the best of their ability…You are travellers of an impregnable path. You have to
march ahead proudly with the flag of Marga upright. You have no time to stagger or to look behind.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 1)

CONDUCT RULES JUST BEING OVERLOOKED

These following WT conduct rules given by Baba go hand-in-hand with His divine teachings about madhukar and ajagar from the aparigraha section of Senior Acarya Diary.

So in various avenues, Baba is preaching this special gospel of renunciation, but tragically within our AM sannyasii culture these things are just being neglected and overlooked by some.

Best is if everyone judges for themselves if these below points are prevalent in our AM sannyasii order or not.

Thus when the ruling wts are hoarding wealth, laundering money, and looking down upon others, then how is our WT order going to become that shining example that will inspire confidence, service, and sacrifice to one and all.

BABA’S RELATED TEACHINGS

“The human mind has two contradictory inherent tendencies: one of acquisition, the other of sacrifice. The more one advances along the path of evolution, the more the second tendency, the spirit of sacrifice, becomes prominent.” (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell – 5, The Faculty of Knowledge – 2)

REAL YOGI THINKS FOR THE UNIVERSE, NOT OWN SELF

“What is the Siddhi, i.e., attainment of Karma Sádhaná? – (Karma Brahmeti Karma Vahu Kurviita). To serve every mundane object thinking it to be the manifestation of Paramátmá is Karma, i.e., the Sádhaná of action. What is the achievement (Siddhi) of Karma Sádhaná? It is generally found that an average person spends more than twelve or fourteen hours in thinking about his or her own self. But the moment one starts thinking about the universe, one becomes a Karma Sádhaka. When one starts spending all one’s time in thinking for the universe, taking one self to be a bubble in the ocean of Karma, one gets Siddhi in Karma Sádhaná. A person is a part of the universe, and when one starts serving the universe, one is also automatically included among the served.” (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 19, Salvation & Devotion)

“Many people look upon human beings as God Himself and throw themselves into the service of humanity abandoning their families and personal comforts. Defying all obstacles – the dense forests, the towering mountains, the stormy oceans – they travel throughout the world promoting the welfare of all.” (1 January 1964)

Namaskar,
in Him
Kamalkrsna

Note 1: WHAT IS TRUE RENUNCIATION

Here Baba guides us about the pathway of true renunciation.

“When the human mind becomes strong enough not to be affected by any colour, it is called vaera’gya [renunciation].” (10 November 1978, Calcutta)

The essence of the above teaching is that the mind must not be allowed to become tempted and engrossed by material wealth etc. Rather the mind should be kept in a state of balance, whereby one can look upon this world with empathy. Then when can truly serve others.

Unfortunately, when some of our wts with high posts are keen on luxury cars, black money, and other allurements that exist in this mundane world, and collect crores in their personal bank accounts. Then how can we say they truly imbibe the spirit renunciation.

According to Baba, renunciation means developing a high mind through sadhana where one feels that they have come on this earth with a mission to sacrifice for the service and welfare of others. Armed with this true spirit of renunciation our WT cadre will really become a great and benevolent force in this world.

The term ‘ajagar’ refers to that very large snake known as the python. And the sense is that a python never moves anywhere to procure its food. It stays put in one single place, always. And it only eats what comes across its path. It does not spend its entire life traveling all about in search of one’s food.

So in the realm of sannyasiihood, our AM monks are to adopt a similar approach while living on this earth. They are not to indulge in an ongoing quest for more and more wealth and money for their own self. Rather our AM sannyasiis are to adjust with whatever they get for their existential needs and dedicate themselves to infusing energy within others and serve all through our Ananda Marga social service projects etc. They should not waste their energy and time thinking about their own self and self alone etc. According to Baba, this is the real dharma of an Ananda Marga sannyasii.

At the same time, in their social service endeavours, workers can and should collect money for those projects. In that arena of life – for the service of others – they may seek out and gather donations and build up organisational bank accounts to sustain those projects. The account should be submitted to and overseen by a committee. Then there will be trust and commitment from all involved. In their personal life Wts must desist from doing keeping such accounts. Then they will be in accordance with the teachings of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.

So we should all accept His teachings with a cool mind and think twice when we see our wts frivolously running headlong after money. Because, by that way, they have lost their dharma – according to Baba’s teaching in Senior Acarya Diary about madhukarii vrtti and ajagarii vrtii.

Those Ananda Marga workers sincerely following madhukarii vrtti and ajagarii vrtti neither run after money nor property for their own luxury, only Parama Purusa. So a true wt will take proper ideation and just have the bare minimum that is needed to survive & execute their work of serving others. Side by side, one is not to harbour the desire of getting more personal wealth.

According to Baba, this is not only the ideal way, but the only way for a true AM sannyasii to live. Anyone going against this system is a fake sannyasii. That is Baba’s pointed stance & strict warning.

So that means our wts are not to stockpile funds in their personal bank accounts, nor are they to keep unaccounted money (i.e. black money), nor anything that is above and beyond what is needed for their basic subsistence.

Here we should not forget this is Baba’s teaching from Senior Acarya Diary and this is not some dogmatic belief from pre-historic Hinduism nor the fantasy of some jinanii, nor some impractical expectation by some day-dreamer which is too lofty to be attained.

Rather the highly practical and ideal teachings of madhukarii vrtti and ajagarii vrtti come from our Guru, the Taraka Brahma Lord Shrii Shrii Ananamurtiji who has graciously given this in Senior Acarya Diary. And indeed those wts adhering to this dharmic code of ajagarii vrtti are truly great. They are the real seers, sadvipras, and well-wishers of humanity. Their minds are crystal-clear and pointed towards Baba’s teachings, and not drifting towards worldly allurements etc.

O’ Parama Purusa, on that very dark night when a big thunderstorm was raging, I was crying alone in the deep forest. Nobody was there to talk to – to console me – to understand the tale of my suffering. Nobody was nearby. Certainly You were there along with me, but I could not feel Your presence.

In the height of that wild storm big branches were breaking off from the trees and crashing down on the ground. And all those tender buds and beautiful flowers were also completely blown off from the limbs of the trees; those buds and flowers were wailing loud lamentations; the trees were crying bitterly. That very dark, horrendous night was so disastrous.

O’ Parama Purusa, after this dark, menacing storm passes, and a soft, gentle breeze is in the air, will You please come in the madhuvan [1] of my mind, in my mental garden, with Your sweet, attractive form?…

NOTE FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #3199:

[1] Madhuvan: Literally meaning “sweet forest”; But it refers to that remote, isolated, garden in the mind that is filled with spring blossoms, sweet fragrance, aromatic flowers, and a gentle & fragrant breeze. It is that tranquil mental abode where nobody is present except the devotee and the Lord. And there the bhakta and Parama Purusa sit together ensconced in that very divinely intoxicated atmosphere and they share the loving feeling of their heart in a very close, intimate, and loving way.

== STORY: INCURRING DEBT RUINS MENTAL PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP ==

Namaskar,
This letter contains an in-depth Baba story with His critical and detailed guidelines about borrowing and lending money. This is very practical knowledge for us all to have as we may find ourselves in this position one day soon.

Do we lend money to those in need, or not?

Read below to get Baba’s pointed guideline and convey His unique message to others in your unit and community.

ANANDA MARGA: OPPOSITE OF CAPITALISM

The present era of materialism preaches “instant gratification”: Enjoy the world by buying happiness. Credit cards and loans are readily available to the common person. Indeed lending agencies and credit card companies are standing by with astronomical interest rates in order to rip off consumers. It is a deadly cycle; already so many have been victimised.

In Ananda Marga, our view is diametrically opposite. We interact with this world for our daily needs and aim our mind towards psychic and psycho-spiritual pursuits. We seek happiness and peace in those upper realms, not in the instant gratification of worldly indulgences. We know this, we practice this, but even then some in our Marga have gotten bound by the noose of capitalism.

But there is no winning in capitalism. Only those top capitalists derive some selfish benefit. The common public just borrows and spends money on material allurements hoping to find happiness; but ultimately they find themselves upset, frustrated and in debt. All the while, the impoverished masses around the globe suffer from an extreme dearth of resources, which have been gobbled up by those capitalists.

So we should not fall prey to the capitalist cycle of borrowing and spending. Please read this following Baba story about this very subject.

BABA STORY:

GUIDELINES ON FINANCIAL DEALING

Baba was against people borrowing or lending money. One day He said, “You must know that lending as well as borrowing is undesirable and detestable.”

I had known Baba’s attitude and so had always tried not to borrow money. But I still had a question, “Was it so bad to lend money to someone in distress?”

Baba answered with an illustration. “Do you know why it isn’t desirable to lend out money? Suppose someone has come to you to borrow some money. Maybe his need is genuine and his appeal is justified. As you listen to his story of distress, you are likely to want to be kind to him. Even if it is beyond your own means to lend a big amount, you become so upset thinking of his dire need that you take pity on him. Your thoughts get interrupted as the gentleman says, ‘You need not worry, dear brother. Please help me wriggle out of my crisis. If your generosity can take me out the present crisis, I’ll repay the loan within a month. Meanwhile I’m likely to get some money soon, so you may rest assured that you’ll get back your money on time.'”

Baba continued, “There may be no reason for you to disbelieve him. Suppose you are soft-hearted, so you collect the money somehow and hand it over to him. And he, too, feels glad and goes away.”

“That man may not have any intention of taking you for a ride, but it may turn out that he can’t get hold of the money as he thought. It is not so unusual. But you go on nursing the hope that he will repay you at the end of the month.”

“A month goes by. He hesitates to see you out of his shame because he has no money to repay to you. Suppose you go to him out of need for the money. In all likelihood he will be ill at ease and may take offense at your uncalled-for-presence. He will think, ‘How disgusting! He has come to me straightaway.’ Understandably, he will tell you a long excuse about why he has failed to repay you. You will give a patient hearing to him and coming back home begin to wait for the deadline as promised. There will be times when you come across him on the street. Immediately, he will think ‘O, my God! Here he is again, he will certainly remind me of my debt!'”

“Of course it’s only natural such thoughts come to mind, interspersed with some inaudible abusive remarks. Maybe you didn’t go to him for money, but what is that to him? Your presence will be unpleasant enough.”

“So whenever you meet him, he will think, ‘I am lost! He has come again to pressure me for that money.’ At the same time he will hurl some unsavory remarks at you, albeit silently. Contrary to what is in his mind, he will say, ‘Welcome, my dear brother. I am glad to meet you. I am so grateful to you,’ and so on and so forth.

“Undoubtedly the moment he sees you, he will heap uncharitable remarks on you, but when you will come within earshot, he will be all praises an parade his respect for you. It goes without saying that you will be put into a dilemma from not getting your money back even at the time of your own dire need. It may happen that your need will drive you to his house and shout from outside, ‘Hello, Mr.—-, are you there?’

“He will think, ‘Oh! he has come again for the money. What will I say to him?’

“Thinking this, he will not only silently curse you, but also try his best to avoid an encounter with you. Instead of coming outside, he will tell his little son to tell you that his father is out. Accordingly, the boy will run to you to inform you that his father is not in.

“Looking askance at him, you will say, ‘Go inside and find out for certain whether or not your father is there.’ The simple-minded child will reply, ‘Why, I don’t need to check because father has himself said that he is out.’ In this way your relationship with that friend will sour and you don’t know where it will end.”

“Well, he certainly would have been offended that first day if you had not lent him money. Not only that, he would possibly have been shocked and have silently heaped some abusive remarks. Nevertheless, the unpleasant situation would not have spilt over onto the rest of your life. If you lend money, you will inevitably invite filthy remarks galore. That is why a person should think many times before lending to others.”

I asked, “Sometimes a really good man may fall into trouble and sincerely need help. In that case, what is to be done?”

Baba said, “Instead of lending him money, you should help him according to your capacity. Suppose he is asking for five thousand rupees. Tell him your attitude about lending money and let him know your financial condition. Then help him with an amount that’s within your means. It may not be as much as he demands, but he will get consolation that you tried to share his difficulties.” (“My Days with Baba”, Sarveshvarananda)

The above story is quite clear on the point of borrowing and lending. According to Baba, we should not borrow money nor should we lend it. If anyone truly needs financial help, then we should give them money according to our capacity, and not expect anything in return.

BABA’S FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Here are some of His further teachings about this very critical topic.

First Baba warns us that we should seek counsel and permission before (a) spending money on superfluous items and (b) before taking any loan.

Ananda Marga Philosophy says, “I am also giving one more advice in regard to aparigraha. If any Margis have to spend on anything in addition to the fixed expenditure (for example, expensive clothing, ornaments, articles of furniture, marriage, building, etc.), they should, before incurring such expenditure, obtain a clear order from their ácárya, unit secretary or district secretary, or any other person of responsible rank. Similarly, permission is to be obtained before taking loan from any businessman or money-lender. Where one’s own ácárya or any person of responsible rank is not easily available, consultation or rather permission is to be obtained from any other ácárya, táttvika or any right-thinking member of the Marga. Every member should follow this instruction strictly.” (1)

Secondly, Baba warns us how money lending itself is a filthy profession. We should keep such greedy persons at arms-length.

Prout says, “People’s means of liveliood should not depend on the quarrel of individuals, as in the case of lawyers. Lawyers usually set one person against another and in this way they serve their personal interests. Similarly no one should be a trader in religion, because in the name of religion, many people are exploited. Nor should one earn one’s livelihood by dealing with dead bodies because such people want more and more people to die, so that they may thereby increase their income. People should also not earn their livelihood by lending money and taking interest. Such persons want to lend more and more money to gain more and more interest, and they do not want the borrowers to refund the capital. The scriptures stipulate that people should not accept food from such people, because their occupations are despicable.” (2)

Over the course of history – in so many lands – money lenders have exploited people to the bone and taken all they had. This has happened not only with the farmers of Bengal depicted below but in so many regions and eras, including in the present day US where countless innocent families are losing their homes because they are unable to pay the money / mortgage they owe.

“Another group of exploiters emerged who took advantage of the poverty of the farmers. These were the moneylenders, who lent money to the farmers at exorbitant rates of interest. The farmers were forced to take loans which they could never repay, so they mortgaged their lands. Eventually the moneylenders became the owners of the farmers’ lands, and the farmers were thus converted into landless labourers… moneylending by private capitalists should be banned and provisions must be made to pay loans in advance to the farmers through the banks. This will eradicate the exploitation by moneylenders and political cadres.” (3)

SUMMARY

We should all exercise extreme caution in our financial dealings. This era of extreme capitalism has devoured the lives of many – leaving them as desperate beggars unable to regain their footing. We must not let this happen to us or anyone we know. We should remain out of debt and keep our mind free for psycho-spiritual endeavors. That is the only way. Remember, one in debt becomes mentally bound by this financial burden as well.

Thus no one in Ananda Marga should make a living by lending money and no Ananda Margii should go into any sort of debt without first getting clear-cut permission from respected members of our Marga.

By following Baba’s guidelines, we can maintain our psychic equilibrium. Going into debt and digging means losing one’s mental peace and becoming a lifelong tool of those greedy capitalists.

MORE ANANDA MARGA GUIDELINES ON THIS TOPIC

WHO IS REALLY HAPPY

“The person who is able to get some vegetables to eat at least once a day, who incurs no debt and who has no need to leave home to earn a living, is really happy.” (4)

DO NOT BORROW TO HOST FEAST

“A marriage feast is completely optional and depends upon the financial capacity of the people concerned. Arranging the feast by taking a loan or incurring a debt is prohibited.” (5)

“For the celebration of this ceremony the arrangement of a social feast depends entirely on the desire and the financial position of the guardians concerned. Taking a loan or incurring a debt for this purpose is forbidden.” (6)

AGAINST YAMA AND NIYAMA

“It is often noticed that individuals incur debt because of their violating the principles of Yama and Niyama, especially due to their extravagance – and as a result, they approach the society for relief. In this connection I must point out that just as the society is duty-bound to give relief to individuals by combined efforts, so also it must have control over the conduct of individuals, over their practice of the principles of Yama and Niyama, and also over their expenditure. Not to consult anybody at the time of spending money but to ask for help from all when in debt, is not a good practice. Such a mentality cannot be encouraged.”
“To purchase, by incurring debt, serge where tweed will do, or gaberdine where serge will do, is surely against the principle of aparigraha. Similarly, people should take food which is nutritious but not rich. They have to give up the practice of feeding others with money taken on loan. That is why social control over the individual’s conduct and expenditure is indispensably necessary. Hence, all Ananda Margis, when they see other Margis acting against the principles of Yama and Niyama, must make them shun this habit either by sweet or harsh words or by dealing even more strictly. Thus they will have to make the society strong. Henceforth I direct every Ananda Margi to keep strict vigilance on other Ananda Margi to make them practise the principles of Yama and Niyama and also to accept calmly directions of other Margis in this connection.” (7)

“SOMETIMES PEOPLE MISUSE LOANS”

“You might have noticed that there are many countries which suffer from financial stringency, so they take loans from other countries. These loans are then used for ventures like constructing large dams on their rivers.”
“The science of economics teaches that the rolling of money should never be blocked by any sort of non-productive investment. Sometimes people misuse loans to construct an unnecessary building or a new showroom for their business, and thus prevent the possibility of reinvesting the capital and increasing their wealth. Economics teaches that loans taken for business investment should always be utilized for productive purposes, and should never be utilized in any unproductive venture. Foreign loans, for example, should never be invested in constructing large railway stations instead of railway lines.” (8)

INCURRING BIG DEBT TO MARRY DAUGHTER

“Formerly, even poor families had to sell their property to arrange the obsequies of their departed parents. Nowadays normally such things are rare. In such cases, kriyálopa took place under circumstantial pressure. But the custom of incurring heavy debt and selling one’s property to marry off one’s daughters still continues. Of course, when women become a little more socially-aware and men become a little more conscientious, and if women become economically self-reliant by bringing about a change in the economic structure, this custom of kanyádána = [forced social obligations to marry the daughters with dowry and feasts] will die out. And when the caste system will fully die out, the marriage system will develop in a healthy atmosphere. Many unhealthy customs will vanish from society.” (9)

IMPORTANT ACCOUNT

“In the factories and the rural production centres, the capitalist exploitation of India continues unabated, and the landholders, as the last vestiges of a feudalistic social order, perpetrate their exploitation in the villages. The capitalists and landlords carry on their exploitation hand-in-hand. The survival and social security of the landless labourers depends solely on the whims of the landlords, who can expel the labourers at any time on any pretext.”
“The exploitation by capitalists and landlords is accompanied by the exploitation by moneylenders. In the rural economy they lend money to the farmers and rural peasants, and are present in nearly every village and hamlet of West Bengal. Where the landlords are not physically present, their loyal agents are very active. The moneylenders have nothing to do with the land – they merely give loans to the poor farmers at high interest. Sometimes poor farmers cannot afford to procure farming implements, hence they are compelled to take loans from the moneylenders. If a moneylender gives one hundred rupees to a farmer, the farmer will have to repay two hundred rupees with interest, but the moneylender does not take back the loan in cash. Instead he realizes the amount in kind in the form of paddy, potatoes, etc., at cheap rates at the time of the harvest. The poor farmer, under the pressure of circumstances, has to accept this unwelcome system. He is a double loser – first, he has to pay more than double the amount of the original loan, and secondly, this amount is paid in kind at the rate of the harvest price of the crop, which is naturally very cheap. This whole process is conducted through agents, who also take their profit. Thus, the peasants and farmers of India are deprived of all their agricultural produce in four to five months of the year to repay the moneylenders, so for the remaining seven to eight months they have to approach the moneylenders again for fresh loans. At first they mortgage their implements, and then they are forced to part with their land. When the amount of the loans with compound interest increases to the point where the interest and the mortgage is equal to the price of their land, the moneylenders confiscate the land of the farmers. Consequently, the farmers get evicted from their land and move from village to village, living on the streets as beggars.”
“The direct representatives of the capitalist exploiters in the rural economy are the middlemen. They take advantage of the poverty and distress of the farmers and force them to depend on the capitalists for their production. For example, in West Bengal, Calcutta is the main centre of the capitalists, but of course they have subsidiary centres in various parts of the state. For instance, they have centres in Siliguri in North Bengal, Sainthia in Birbhum district, Purulia town in Purulia district and Midnapore town in Midnapore district. From these centres the capitalists, through their agents and middlemen, control the rural economy of West Bengal. The farmers depend on these middlemen not only to procure farm implements, but also to sell their agricultural produce. They also take advantage of the illiteracy of the simple uneducated farmers, collect their signatures or thumb prints for a larger loan, and pay them less than the market value of their produce.”
“Indian society is basically capitalistic, and the administrative system is a capitalist dominated democracy. It is the capitalists who control and direct the social, economic and political systems of India. The problem of how to remain in power is the most important issue for every political party that comes to power in an election. When political interest is of paramount importance, naturally the government will frame laws to safeguard the interests of the capitalist exploiters. The responsibility of upholding the interests of the exploiters in the name of law and order devolves onto the bureaucracy and police. The political leaders merely engage in internal bickering over their share of the ill-gotten gains.” (10)

“MONEY LENDING, CHARGING EXORBITANT INTEREST” = EXPLOITATION

“There are various types of exploitation in society. The form and character of exploitation changes as per changes in time, place and person. In every era of the social cycle, there are various kinds of exploitation. For example, in the economic sphere there is feudal exploitation, colonial exploitation, capitalist exploitation, imperialist exploitation and fascist exploitation. Exploitation may also manifest in such spheres as the physical, psychic, economic, political and cultural spheres. In the past the slave system was prevalent in the Greek and Roman Empires. The rulers sucked the blood of the vanquished to bolster their own interests. In psychic exploitation, the masses are misled with the help of pseudo-philosophies which encourage dogma and narrowmindedness. Democratic socialism and the theory of peaceful coexistence are examples of the hypocrite’s psychology. In economic exploitation, vested interests deprive people of their minimum requirements. Money lending, charging exorbitant interest rates, compelling poor farmers to sell their produce through distress sales, etc., are examples of economic exploitation. Regardless of the type of exploitation used by the exploiters, when society is moving towards revolution, the role of the exploiters is exposed. The exploiters are unable to disguise their exploitation any longer.” (11)

“Predatory lending is the unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices of some lenders during the loan origination process. While there are no legal definitions in the United States for predatory lending, an audit report on predatory lending from the office of inspector general of the FDIC broadly defines predatory lending as “imposing unfair and abusive loan terms on borrowers.” Though there are laws against many of the specific practices commonly identified as predatory, various federal agencies use the term as a catch-all term for many specific illegal activities in the loan industry. Predatory lending should not be confused with predatory mortgage servicing which is the unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices of lenders and servicing agents during the loan or mortgage servicing process, post loan origination.”
“One less contentious definition of the term is “the practice of a lender deceptively convincing borrowers to agree to unfair and abusive loan terms, or systematically violating those terms in ways that make it difficult for the borrower to defend against.” Other types of lending sometimes also referred to as predatory include payday loans, certain types of credit cards, mainly subprime, or other forms of (again, often subprime) consumer debt, and overdraft loans, when the interest rates are considered unreasonably high. Although predatory lenders are most likely to target the less educated, the poor, racial minorities, and the elderly, victims of predatory lending are represented across all demographics.”
“Predatory lending typically occurs on loans backed by some kind of collateral, such as a car or house, so that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can repossess or foreclose and profit by selling the repossessed or foreclosed property. Lenders may be accused of tricking a borrower into believing that an interest rate is lower than it actually is, or that the borrower’s ability to pay is greater than it actually is. The lender, or others as agents of the lender, may well profit from repossession or foreclosure upon the collateral.”

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above letter. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

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Bengalis and Mahasambhuti

Baba says, “During the war between the Kaoravas and the Pan’davas, the kings of Bengal did not take part. They thought there is no benefit in it.” (Bam’la’r Itiha’s, Ananda Vacanamrtam-10 [Bangla’])

The advent of Mahasambhuti on this planet is a grand event. Of course He does everything according to His divine plan. Those whom He graces work according to His direction and follow the command of Mahasambhuti. Those blessed souls who have a good samskara and strong devotion – and ultimately His grace – work unitedly under His shelter. Whereas those whose samskara is not good or are in a different flow keep themselves away. That is what happened in the Mahabharat era. From Afghanistan and Pakistan to Sri Lanka, and each and every nook and corner of south and north India, all the states including Nepal joined in to cooperate with Lord Krsna’s divine plans and programs. While some like Duryodhana did not support. As Baba says in His above teaching, that time the leaders of Bengal did not support Mahasambhuti.

Something similar is going on these days also as some from Bengal are not supporting. They are disobeying Guru Baba: By their own whim they invented the dogma of mahaprayan and observe it annually. This was never given or approved by Baba.
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Note: The “I” in the below account refers to our dear margii brother Ram Prasadji. He is the one who spoke to rector master dada about asanas. I have merely noted down the points and recounted the scene so others could read what happened. Thus the “I” does not refer to me (Acintya), the “I” reflects brother Ram Prasadji.

Namaskar,
Astaunga yoga – the eight-limbs of yoga – includes yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyhara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. When my own asana practice became disturbed, I sought out one Dada as I did not want to be deficient in any way.

At the earliest opportunity I asked rector Dada to review my asanas. He was very busy in arranging duties related with the master unit. When he inquired about my problem, I told him that earlier I did not have any serious problem. But when I started doing asanas, then I began to experience various issues.

I related what happened when I had visited Ananda Nagar, and met up with one Dada. I requested Dada to prescribe some asanas for me, then in a distracted manner he told some asanas while I was walking along with him. Since practicing those asanas my situation worsened.

After listening to this, my rector Dada told that, “You have to understand the problem with our workers, WTs. Because of organizational work pressure, everyone in the Ananda Marga Wt cadre is busy. Some do not have time to study Baba’s books nor the Ananda Marga acarya diary; while others do not have proper knowledge about asanas and their positive and negative effects. In that case, some do not know which asana is related with which disease, while some other workers certainly know. If you find a Wt who is knowledgeable, then that is very good – learn from them. Otherwise, refer to Baba’s books [as explained below] because getting improper guidelines from an unqualified worker could be harmful.”

THE SCIENCE OF ASANAS

Here is more what my Rector Dada recounted to me that day.

Asanas are a tested and proven science. Thus they should be prescribed very carefully, only after proper analysis and inquiry regarding the practitioner’s physical and psychic diseases or problems. Asanas are not just some free-hand exercise. Asanas are deeply healing postures of comfort that are related with various glands and subglands.

Baba has revealed a completely new science. In the past, various yogiis were doing asanas, but they were not aware about the serious consequences. And they did not know the way asanas link with various propensities. In His discourse “Glands and Sub-glands”, Baba has revealed the secret.

Baba says, “This is a new science which is unknown today.” (1)

Baba has given the science in His Ananda Marga teachings how asanas affect various cakras and their related glands and subglands.

PROPER SYSTEM MUST BE FOLLOWED

So asanas should not be learned or practiced in a haphazard way. If anybody does asanas without proper awareness, those asanas can cause serious harm or create more diseases: Physical, as well as psychic. To avoid this situation, better is to follow Baba’s direct teaching.

In the asana book, it says that margiis should consult with acaryas. Then how can margiis decide our own asanas with the help of the books only?

The answer is simple: Yogic Treatments book.

In that text, various diseases and their respective asanas have been detailed. One should carefully read about their health problem. The recommended asanas for that problem should be practiced carefully and diligently, otherwise there is the possibility of causing harm.

DADAJI: “REFERENCE YOGIC TREATMENTS”

Here is more of what Dadaji and I discussed that day.

Dada confided in me, “You see my situation. I am extremely busy in my master unit work. If any asthma patient or heart disease patient asks me about asanas, what can I tell them? And if I give them the wrong asana, that will be very bad. So for the sake of safety and welfare for others, I suggest that everybody should read the Yogic Treatments (Yoga Cikitsa), and follow the guideline. In that way they should decide upon and practice their asana. That is a very safe method.”

Then I replied, “Dadaji earlier nobody ever told me this in such a clearcut way.”

Dada replied, “On this very point, what can I say? I know my own shortcomings. I do not have any hesitation to accept them. Due to extreme pressure of work, some WTs do not have time to study all those huge teachings of various diseases and their remedies and asanas. So those concerned persons should decide. That is why Baba has written this book. Otherwise, what for?”

In the Preface of Yogic Treatments, Baba has written:

“The object of the art of healing is to cure a patient, both physically and mentally. So the main question is not to uphold any particular school of medical science; rather, the key task is the welfare of the patient.”
“Just as diseased body organs can be restored to normal by administering medicines internally or externally, they can also be healed, more safely and more perfectly, with the help of yogic ásanas and mudrás. The aim of this book, therefore, is to make the general public aware of the yogic methods of treating the various illnesses.
“My purpose is to let people cure themselves by practising the ásanas and mudrás described in this book. People are requested not to take the risk of practising ásanas and mudrás by themselves, but rather to do so under the guidance of an experienced ácárya [spiritual teacher]. Ananda Marga ácáryas will always be ready to help without any remuneration. Detailed instructions for practising the ásanas and mudrás, for bathing, etc. have been given in Part Three of Ananda Marga Caryácarya. If necessary, the reader may consult that book.” (2)

Dadaji added, “In normal times – when all acaryas are up to the mark in all respects, then getting acarya consultation on asanas from a Wt is best. That is Baba’s guideline. But in this era, if a proper acarya is not nearby, then one can adjust and learn directly from Baba’s above books, i.e. Caryacarya – 3 and Yogic Treatments. That will suffice – that is better than getting improper guidelines from an acarya without the requisite knowledge. However, if one is very new to Ananda Marga and yoga, and they have never practiced a yoga asana, then they should refrain from learning on their own. Then they should wait to in contact with a wt or practicing margii. There is no other way.”

SOME WARNINGS

In the last Dadaji warned, “Be careful. If asanas are done correctly then that is very good. Very beneficial. But if they are done incorrectly, then they are very harmful. If you need help with a particular asana ask your bhukti pradhan, unit secretary, or any Wt or senior margii who has a keen understanding of that particular asana.”

“One of the tragedies nowadays, when yoga has become so popular around the world, is that many are practicing without following the do’s and don’ts such as proper diet, correct form, or wrong asana entirely, and in result they hurt and harm themselves.”

After that he showed me the Baba’s discourse, “Glands and Sub-glands”, where Baba has revealed operative aspect behind the science of yoga asanas. Some asanas give pressure on the glands and then the secretion of hormones increases. And that affects on the body and mind. Whereas other asanas have a depressurizing effect on other respective glands. that affects in the the opposite manner. Some asanas work in one direction, and then other asanas are work in the opposite direction.’

‘And Baba also especially warned, that in various diseases certain asanas are prohibited. Like, in high blood pressure, sarvangasana (shoulderstand) is very harmful. Similar in the case of heart patients, salabasana is very bad. There is a long list of such conditions. So the best is to consult Yogic Treatments book. That is the safest way.’

MORE OF BABA’S GUIDELINES ON ASANAS

Dada told, ‘This following paragraph of “Yoga Psychology”, is very important:

Baba begins telling about cakras.

“Cakra is a Sanskrit term while “plexus” is the Latin term. Besides the main nerve centres at the point of each cakra, there are also sub-centres where sub-glands are located. These sub-glands influence the propensities attached to each cakra. This science is largely unknown today.” (3)

Baba furthermore continues. Here He gives the link between asanas, cakras, and propensities.

“By performing a’sanas regularly, human beings can control the propensities attached to each cakra, and hence the thoughts which arise in their minds and their behaviour. This is because a’sanas have a profound effect on the glands and sub-glands.” (4)

Baba then goes on to explain the way asanas affect the glands:

“All a’sanas have either a pressurizing or depressurizing effect on the glands and sub-glands. For example, mayu’ra’sana [peacock posture] has a pressurizing effect on the man’ipura cakra. The secretions of the glands and sub-glands of the man’ipura cakra and the propensities associated with them will become more balanced if this a’sana is practised regularly.” (5)

Here Baba gives a specific example.

“If someone has a great fear of public speaking, it means his or her man’ipura cakra is weak. Through the regular practice of mayu’ra’sana, this propensity will be controlled and fear will be eliminated.” (6)

Baba then explains more about the precise way in which asanas exert their effect on the cakras.

“Other a’sanas may have a depressurizing effect on the man’ipura cakra, and if these a’sanas are performed regularly the glands and sub-glands associated with the cakra will become less active. Increased glandular secretions generally make the propensities more active and vice versa.” (7)

Baba concludes by giving the link between importance of asana selection, and their effect on each person’s propensities:

“By practising a’sanas regularly, one can control the propensities and either increase or decrease their activity. So spiritual
aspirants should select the a’sanas they perform very carefully. This effect of a’sanas on glands and sub-glands has never been revealed before.” (8)

CURRENT SITUATION WITH VARIOUS WTS:

PARTING WORDS OF RECTOR DADA

Under normal circumstances, it is quite beneficial to review one’s asana practice with our wholetimer dadas and didis. Unfortunately, we are not living in normal times.

Tragically, nowadays, some dadas and didis themselves do not do asanas. By seeing their obesity and big belly, it is quite clear they do not do asanas. Yet when they entered the Marga they were quite slim and healthy. Gradually, over the years, they grew in the midsection. Part of the cause was not doing asanas. Only some junior workers and some seniors are practicing asanas. While a few Wts do not do them at all – not ever or rarely. That is the sad news.

For instance, when Wts are at a margii’s house then they must practice asanas to impress that host margii family. But when they are alone or in the jagrti with other dadas then they do not practice. Nor do they practice when traveling on the train etc. During reporting or in camps, then some may practice and many not. Those not practicing will often make sarcastic, taunting remarks to those who do practice asanas. Because those dadas feel threatened that if more do asanas then they also may have to do them.

That is the astonishing aspect: If they see any WT practicing asanas then they harass that sincere worker and make them the butt end of their jokes. Such is the toxic atmosphere in the organisation these days. Those strict in 16 Points are abused by other workers.

There is more to tell: If any Dada is doing tandava or kaoshikii, then sometimes other workers tell them to stop because they are making noise and creating a disturbance. This is the shocking response that happens nowadays. Certain wts feel irritated if another is sincere in following daily dharmic practices like asanas, kaoshikii and tandava etc, so they become a vocal opponent. In their own campus, such things are happening with some Didis. Not always, but sometimes.

Another twist is that when overseas wts go to reporting in India, then certain host workers do a show of asanas and sadhana lessons for a few days – as if they are very sincere. Yet if you inquire with them about the most basic asanas, often they we have seen that some of those Wts are not aware. Some do not even know which asanas are for males and which are for females.

So you see, in some cases their knowledge and understanding is quite poor.

BABA’S RELATED TEACHINGS

““Ásana” means “a position in which one feels comfortable” – “Sthirasukhamásanam.” Ásanas are a kind of exercise by regular practice of which the body stays healthy and hardy and many diseases are cured. But ásanas are not prescribed for the general cure of diseases; only those diseases which create trouble in the path of meditation may be cured by the help of specific ásanas, so that sádhaná may more easily be done.
The relation between the physical body and the mind is very close. Mental expression is brought about through the vrttis, and the predominance of the vrttis depends on different glands of the body. There are many glands in the body and from each there is a secretion of a particular hormone. If there is any defect in the secretion of hormones or any defect in a gland, certain vrttis become excited. For this reason, we find that in spite of having a sincere desire to follow the moral code, many persons cannot do so; they understand that they should do meditation, but they cannot concentrate their minds because their minds become extroverted due to the external excitement of this or that propensity. If a person wants to control the excitement of these propensities, he or she must rectify the defects of the glands. Ásanas help the sádhaka to a large extent in this task, so ásanas are an important part of sádhaná.” (9)

“Proper attention should be paid to the physical, psychic and spiritual development of small boys and girls. Just as they sit and study to develop their intellectual capabilities, they should also sit to do their spiritual practices with their parents. That is the way they will develop their spiritual practices. They should take diikśá [spiritual initiation] from an ácárya(á) [spiritual teacher] when they grow up. They should practice the lessons of sádhaná – japa, dhyána, ásana, práńáyáma, etc. – along with their regular academic lessons. All that is necessary for their trifarious development, and it must be perfectly balanced. One should remember that the absence of a proper balance will harm not only the individuals, but also the society as a whole.” (10)

“We must develop the physico-psychic aspect of students through proper physical culture, which will include yoga ásanas, proper diet, games, sports, etc. And to develop the psycho-spiritual aspect, we must reorient the entire curriculum of all schools from kindergarten to postgraduate level according to the Neohumanist philosophy, and must incorporate the practices of Aśt́áuṋga Yoga into the curriculum in all grades. This will be the practical approach. And the guiding philosophy, the controlling philosophy should be: “This universe is ours” – and “we” means humans, animals and plants.” (11)

“By performing ásanas [postures for physico-psychic well-being] regularly, human beings can control the propensities attached to each cakra, and hence the thoughts which arise in their minds and their behaviour. This is because ásanas have a profound effect on the glands and sub-glands. How? All ásanas have either a pressurizing or depressurizing effect on the glands and sub-glands. For example, mayúrásana [peacock posture] has a pressurizing effect on the mańipura cakra. The secretions of the glands and sub-glands of the mańipura cakra and the propensities associated with them will become more balanced if this ásana is practised regularly. If someone has a great fear of public speaking, it means his or her mańipura cakra is weak. Through the regular practice of mayúrásana, this propensity will be controlled and fear will be eliminated. Other ásanas may have a depressurizing effect on the mańipura cakra, and if these ásanas are performed regularly the glands and sub-glands associated with the cakra will become less active. Increased glandular secretions generally make the propensities more active and vice versa. By practising ásanas regularly, one can control the propensities and either increase or decrease their activity. So spiritual aspirants should select the ásanas they perform very carefully. This effect of ásanas on glands and sub-glands has never been revealed before.” (12)

“Concentration is a major sádhaná, is a major intuitional sádhaná. But there are certain helping sádhanás. Ásana and práńáyáma, for example, are helping items. They are not sádhaná, they are called sádhanáunga.” (13)

“The indriyas are the controller of the body, the mind the controller of the indriyas, and the vital energy the controller of the mind. That’s why on the path of spiritual practice, and particularly in the practice of astáunga yoga (the eight fold path consisting of yama, niyama, ásana, práńáyáma, pratyáhára, dhárańá, dhyána, and samádhi) práńáyáma plays a very significant role.” (14)

“Question: What is the definition of ásanas?
Answer: Sthirasukham ásanam (Patanjali). Ásanas are calm, quiet and easy postures which are held with proper inhalation and exhalation. They exercise the nerves, tissues, glands and organs of the human body. While practising ásanas one enjoys physical comfort and mental composure.
The regular practice of ásanas keeps the body healthy and cures many diseases. Ásanas control the glands, the glands control the secretion of hormones, and the secretion of hormones controls the propensities. So ásanas help a sádhaka [spiritual aspirant] to balance the body and concentrate the mind.” (15)

“Question: Why do we practise ásanas?
Answer: We perform ásanas for the following reasons:
To increase the flexibility of the body.
To rectify glandular defects and balance hormonal secretions in order to control the vrttis [propensities].
To balance the body and mind.
To withdraw the mind from undesirable thinking.
To prepare the mind for subtler and higher sádhaná [spiritual practices].” (16)

“Question: How do we name ásanas?
Answer: We name ásanas as follows:
(1) Some ásanas are similar to animal movements so they are named after those animals; for example, matsyamudrá [fish posture], garud́ásana [bird posture], etc.
(2) Some ásanas have the characteristics of animal structures, so they are also named after those animals; for example, kúrmakásana [tortoise posture], etc.
(3) Some ásanas are named by the qualities of the ásana; for example, sarváungásana [shoulder stand; literally “all-limbs posture”]. The entire body is benefited by this ásana.” (17)

“Question: How many types of ásanas are there?
Answer: There are mainly two types of ásanas: svásthyásanas and dhyánásanas. Svásthyásanas are practised primarily for physical health and secondarily for spiritual elevation. Dhyánásanas are practised primarily for concentration of mind and meditation. Dhyánásanas include padmásana [lotus posture], baddha padmásana [bound-lotus posture], siddhásana [siddha posture, the posture of a perfected one] and viirásana [hero posture].” (18)

“Question: What is the difference between sarváungásana and vipariitakaranii mudrá?
Answer: While practising sarváuṋgásana the mind is fixed at the point between the tip of the two big toes, whereas in vipariitakaranii mudrá the mind is fixed at the tip of the nose or at the navel.” (19)

“Question: What are mudrás, bandhas and vedhas?
Answer: Mudrás are postures which exercise the nerves and muscles. Mudrá literally means “externalization of internal bháva [ideation]”. There are only a few spiritual mudrás where the internal ideation is not externalized.
The practitioner of mudrá may or may not enjoy physical comfort and mental composure. During the practice of mudrás one has to continue one’s conscious endeavour to remain in that posture, but in the case of ásanas one need not.” (20)

“The Paincakośas shall have to be perfected, but how is it possible? They can be consummated only through the practice of Yama and Niyama. The Annamaya Kośa is perfected through Ásanas (physical postures). Yama and Niyama Sádhana perfect the Kámamaya Kośa. The Manomaya Kośa is perfected through Pránáyáma. Through Pratyáhára the Atimánasa Kośa is perfected.” (21)

“After this, at the age of twelve, the child should take initiation from an ácárya/á in Sádhárańa Yoga, and at sixteen or afterwards, they should take initiation in Sahaja Yoga from the ácárya/á. If considered essential, ásanas may be taught before the age of sixteen.” (22)

Baba, I know that You will certainly come today riding the chariot of effulgence and You will remove all the darkness of ignorance and avidya maya from my mind and make me fearless.

Baba, day and night, I waited for You with a garland in hand. Time passed like this. At last, on this night, all my doubts have vanished; the auspicious hour has arrived. I see that You have come – You are here, O’ my Dearmost.

Baba, in the resonance of Your tune [1] and the stage of the insurmountable effulgence of the hiranmaya loka [2], I have been ensconced in Your dhyana for ages, counting the prahara [3] and tithis [4] for Your arrival.

[1] Resonance of Your Tune: This is a metaphor. When the sadhaka’s mind reachs hiranyamaya kosa and hears the omnkara sound, that is the “resonance of Your tune.” That is what the sadhaka is experiencing in this song.

[2] Insurmountable Effulgence [Dyutite Durjay: because of its brilliant effulgence it is very difficult to go beyond]: In deep meditation, when the mind reaches up to the hiranmaya kosa, then one sees only a golden effulgence. In that state, the sadhaka becomes one with Cosmic Mind, i.e. mukti. Beyond that is satya loka where Nirguna Brahma resides. When one reaches satya loka, that is salvation, moksa. Because of its unimaginable and exquisite effulgence, the hiranmaya kosa is insurmountable. In that state one can get mukti, but not moksa. That is what has been described in this Prabhata Samgiita.

The hiranmaya kos’a is the subtlest layer of mind, and Nirguna Brahma resides beyond the hiranmaya kos’a. So when the mind is below satyaloka, the sadhaka does not realise Nirguna Brahma. They do not attain salvation. To realise Him, the mind must go beyond the hiranmaya kos’a. Thus, only when the mind reaches beyond the hiranmaya kos’a can one merge into Parama Purusa. Hence, the hiranymaya kos’a is the final gateway for reaching up to Him. And the colour of the hiranmaya kos’a is golden and there one hears the omnkara sound. Beyond that state, in satya loka, there is no sound and there is no colour. The sadhaka merges in the bliss of expressionless Nirguna Brahma. That is salvation, or moksa.

To cross that golden effulgence of the hiranmaya kosa, His grace is needed. Without His grace, it is not possible to get moksa. In the above song, the sadhaka has been basking in the effulgence of the hiranmaya kosa, waiting for Parama Purusa to shower His grace and lead him across – i.e. grant Him salvation.

Baba says, “The subtlest expression of mind is in the hirańmaya kośa, which is the first expression of mahattattva. Establishment in this kośa in a universal manner is Savikalpa samádhi. When after emerging from the Samśkara, the hirańyamaya merges in attributeless Brahma, then this is called nirvikalpa samádhi.”
“Those who have attained the kámamaya kośa will say that it is not proper to steal since, if we steal, others may also steal from us. This is the trend of thought of the materialists. Their thinking is distorted with selfishness. One should not steal for the sake of keeping the mind pure. That is the correct approach.”
“The paincakośas shall have to be perfected, but how is it possible? They can be consummated only through the practice of yama and niyama [and the various lessons of sadhana]. The annamaya kośa is perfected through asanas (physical postures). Yama and niyama sádhana perfect the kámamaya kośa. The manomaya Kośa is perfected through pránáyáma. Through pratyáhára the atimánasa kośa is perfected. The vijinánmaya kośa is perfected through dhárańá and the hirańmaya kośa through dhyána. Only dhyána samádhi gives access to the soul. Pious persons are those who are earnest in their efforts to perfect the paincakośa. Human existence consists of the five kośas and spiritual practice is eightfold. This spiritual practice is Dharma. That which does not provide for the explanation of the paincakośa is not Dharma, but sectism.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 1, Invocation of the Supreme)

Baba says, “The loka above this where the hiran’maya kos’a (subtle causal mind) is established is what we call devarloka (satya loka). When sa’dhakas merge their petty I-feeling from the realm of the devarloka (where this I-feeling is not very much evident) — into the bearing of the Great, they establish themselves fully in Sagun’a Brahma (Qualified Consciousness — the collectivity of Parama’tman, Macrocosm and Microcosm). In this loka, if the whole of the I-feeling (asmita) ia shattered and merged in Purus’a, the unit attains total identification with Nirgun’a Brahma (Unqualified or Objectless Consciousness). This loka is the satyaloka — this indeed is the Brahmaloka. The one who is established in this loka is alone the Brahman’a (Bra’hmin’).” (Subhasita Samgraha – 4)

Baba says, “Hiranmaya Kos’a: In this kos’a the body even the knowledge of ‘I’ is not much in evidence the consciousness of individuality is present, ill defined and unclear. This is the subtlest layer of mind around the a’tman. In fact feeling of ‘I’ is reflective in this kos’a only because of its close proximity to the vijinanamaya kos’a. Here sattva is dominant, rajah is less and tamah is least.”

Hiranmaye pare kose, Virajam Brahma niskalam (Vedas)

“This kos’a is derived from the Tapah or Hiranmaya loka; its name means ‘made of gold’ and hence it is as pure and beautiful as gold. The Satya Loka which is the finest loka in the cosmic mind and where Brahma resides does not exist in the form of a kos’a because kos’as are limited while satya is unlimited and imperishable. Satya loka cannot therefore be part of any limited and perishable body formed of five kos’as. In Satya loka the a’tman alone exists; only due to the influence of Prakrti five kos’as or realms come into existence.” (SS-5)

[3] Prahara: A measurement of time equal to 3 hours.

[4] Tithis: One day in the moon calendar. In the moon calendar, each month is comprised of 28 days.

Namaskar,
By Baba’s grace – over the years in Ananda Marga – I have had innumerable opportunities to travel around with our various Dadas. And while that was usually quite inspiring for me, I also did get a first-hand view how some of our Dadas have taken to “following” 16 Points.

The purpose of this letter is to help those Wts (dadas and didis) follow Baba’s conduct rules and become ideal. Only then will they have the moral force to guide others and lead society. It is not possible to lead when they themselves do not do. So here the aim is to create circumstances whereby such wts mend their ways. With this motive I write.

Let me also recognise that there are many right-minded Wts adhering to Baba’s guidelines on points of food and overall conduct.

BABA’S KEY GUIDELINE AND STRICT WARNING

“Your ideal is represented by your conduct. Your learning, your social or economic status have nothing to do with your ideal.” (1)

“Sádhaná is not possible without such a moral ideation. Sádhaná devoid of morality will divert people again towards material enjoyments and at any moment they may use their mental power, acquired with much hardship, to quench their thirst for meagre physical objects. There are many who have fallen from the path of yoga or tantra sádhaná and are spending their days in disrepute and infamy. Whatever little progress they achieved through forcible control of their instincts, was lost in a moment’s error in pursuit of mundane pleasures. It must, therefore, be emphasized that even before beginning sádhaná, one must follow moral principles strictly. Those who do not follow these principles should not follow the path of Sádhaná; otherwise they will bring about their own harm and that of others.” (2)

“Acárańát pát́hayati yah sah ácáryah – “One who teaches through one’s conduct is an ácárya.” If you cannot learn anything from the conduct and behaviour of a certain person, why should you accept that person as an ácárya/á? …Take silent action against the offending ácárya/á. And what will be the nature of this silent action? You will disavow the person as an ácárya/á; you will not accept the person as an ácárya/á. I [[vest]] this authority in you. I will never seek any explanation from you as to why you have disavowed the person. Human beings will win honour if they exhibit exemplary conduct.” (3)

BABA WAS-IS WATCHING EVERYBODY

While running the organisation, Baba was extremely strict that everyone in Ananda Marga properly follow 16 points and yama and niyama. He was expressing sentient anger (see note 2) and pointing out everyone about this. If anyone knowingly or unknowingly ate onions, garlic, or any tamasik item, then Baba would strongly rebuke and point out that dada.

This had one marvelous benefit: It taught us the devotional practice that He knows everything and that He is always watching us. And that is the basic essence of second lesson: “To live one’s life thinking that Baba is with me watching my each and every action.” That is the cream of second lesson and by this way one cannot do anything wrong.

And if anyone temporarily forgot this fact – and would indulge in some misdeed – then Baba would remind them that He sees everything by lovingly scolding them in front of all. By this way, everyone – especially Dadas – would be careful to follow 16 Points.

DEGENERATION AFTER 1990

But after 1990, a few forget this divine fact that Baba is always watching. So for their own convenience they would do what they like. Because there was no such reporting nor dharma samiiksa to remind them that Baba is watching. Rather they just thought that Baba is gone. Such was their degeneration of mind, unfortunately.

And in that way, some Dadas become lax on sentient food rules while they are traveling; they eat prepared food and end up eating onions and garlic etc. They think, “No one is watching; and nobody sees what I am doing. So I can do as I wish.” But this is not the proper way.

BOYFRIEND AND GIRLFRIEND

Although there are many good Wts and that is why Ananda Marga is still continuing, but, unfortunately, some of our Dadas have adopted the faulty outlook that nobody is watching etc. In that way they skip their fasting, overlook their sadhana lessons, and in some rare cases indulge in actual illicit physical relations, but in many cases they have phone relations as boyfriend and girlfriend.

How does this work? Well, at any free moment when they are alone during the day and deep, deep into the night (1am, 2am, or 3am), they spend hours upon hours communicating with their opposite sex friend. During the day, if they are in meetings, then they will sneak away to a private spot to call their special opposite sex friend for some romantic talk & gossip. All their interaction happens by phone (talking and texting). Many of our wholetime workers are doing like this: Dadas with Didis, and Didis with Dadas. During those sessions, they are not reviewing organisational policies nor evaluating social service projects etc. In Ananda Marga, projects are separated by gender. So those wts are just gossiping like boyfriend and girlfriend, but it is non-physical. Mentally and emotionally they are engrossed.

This type of affair happens in certain social situations where two people are unable to openly go close to one another – lest it result in scandal or being stigmatized. So they attempt to satisfy themselves from a distance. Sadly, many Wts are indulged in this way.

Regarding all of the above, always it starts small – with a small infraction – and they rationalise that wrong action and gradually that negative deed multiplies into a bigger and bigger problem. Until one is extremely degenerated – inside and out, unfortunately.

We should not forget that there are many good Wts who follow all the conduct rules.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION

The only way to avoid this downturn is to cultivate the devotional practice that, “Baba is always with me and watching me.” Then one will always abide the the rules and regulations of dharma and not fall into the quagmire of sin and degeneration.

BABA’S WARNING ABOUT TAKING TA’MASIK FOOD

Here Baba warns us of the harmful effects of eating ta’masik food. So Dada and others should give up their negative ways because Baba does not approve of eating onions or garlic and then befooling oneself by saying guru mantra. That is not the standard method.

“Cells generally grow out of light, air, water and the food we eat. The nature of food and drink has its effect upon the cells, and consequently also influences the human mind. Obviously each and every sa’dhaka, or spiritual aspirant, should be very cautious in selecting food. Suppose a person takes ta’masika, or static, food. The result will be that after a certain period, static cells will grow and exercise a static influence on the aspirant’s mind. Human beings must select sa’ttvika, or sentient… This will lead to the birth of sentient cells, which in turn will produce a love for spiritual practice and help in attaining psychic equilibrium and equipoise, leading to immense spiritual elevation.” (6)

“Sentient food: Food which produces sentient cells and is thus conducive to physical and mental well-being is sentient. Examples of sentient food are rice, wheat, barley, all kinds of pulses, fruit, milk and milk products.
“Mutative food: Food which is good for the body and may or may not be good for the mind, but certainly not harmful for the mind, is mutative.”
“Static food: Food which is harmful for the mind and may or may not be good for the body is static. Onion, garlic, wine, stale and rotten food, meat of large animals such as cows and buffaloes, fish, eggs, etc., are static.” (7)

“For the avadhútas and avadhútikás of Ananda Marga there is only one kind of food, sáttvika food.” (8)

““Cakśuńá Samvaro Sádhu” O spiritual aspirant! O Bhikśu! O monk! O devotee!…“Sádhu Jibháya Saḿvaro.” You should have control over your taste…If you want emancipation, if you want liberation from worldly fetters, you must have all-round restraint.” (9)

“Pramitáhárah: to maintain the physical body, you require physical food, air, water, light. But physical food is not simply for the physical body. It has got its effect on the spiritual body. The cells of your physical body are created from the cells that you receive from your physical food, and your psychic body is also influenced by these cells. So while taking food, you should be very careful. You should always try to take sentient food.” (10)

“Human beings should be sentient in food habits, mind and intellect.” (11)

As margiis we should be vigilant to watching over the conduct of wts.

SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE

Here I close with Baba’s special guideline: One should always think that He is with you and watching you, then you will always be strict adherents of 16 Points and progress on the spiritual path.

Baba says, “The idea, the spirit or the secret to develop devotional cult is to think, while doing anything, while doing any mundane duty or doing any spiritual practice – you should always remember that He is Subject, He is seeing what you are doing. He is hearing what you are thinking. You cannot do anything secretly. He is always with you.”
“This idea has got one advantage and one disadvantage. The disadvantage is that you cannot even think secretly. All your thoughts are tape-recorded by Him. You cannot think secretly. And the advantage is that you are never alone; He is always with you. You are never helpless, you are never shelterless, you are never weak, you are the strongest personality of the universe, because the Supreme Entity is always with you.” (12)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Nagendra

Note 1: ONION AND GARLIC “PURIFIED” BY GURU MANTRA

In particular, on one occasion I traveled with a dada across Uttar Pradesh and I saw that he has one very special type of practice. On his longer train & bus journeys he fails to bring sufficient food with him so he often purchases food along the way. But fruit alone does not satisfy him so he often buys cooked vegetable dishes while traveling. I saw him – and many others told me that he does this when traveling. Always he purchases cooked vegetables (subjii) and flat bread (roti) to satisfy his hunger.

And while I certainly do not like to see any Dada go hungry, it also has to be noted that all these cooked vegetable items from the various stalls are laced and filled with onion and garlic. That onion and garlic has been fried and boiled into the dish such that all the food is completely saturated with those ta’masik spices – and then there are also some whole pieces of onion and garlic still floating around the dish. But those are mostly “lifeless” as already all their ta’masik essence has been squeezed out of them and spread throughout the dish.

Anyway, please excuse me for saying so, but Dadaji would eat this type of cooked vegetable filled with onion and garlic on his train & bus journeys. This I have personally seen – as have so many other margiis. Many of us have witnessed this Dada do like this.

Even then there is more to tell.

Because Dadaji’s “special” way of treating the matter was to pick up one of those lifeless pieces of onion or garlic, toss it aside, then say guru mantra, and then eat those vegetables – those very same vegetables that had been cooked & saturated in those onions and garlic for hours and hours.

Unfortunately, such are the eating habits of certain Dadas during their lengthy train & bus journeys. In particular this Dadaji thinks that he is escaping all the ta’masik effects of the onion and garlic by taking guru mantra. But, if we use our rational mind, we know that this is not the case. This is not the system: i.e. eating ta’masik items like onion and garlic and then saying guru mantra as if everything is all perfect. I do not think this is how Baba wants to “follow” sentient food rules.

Note 2: SA’TTVIKA KRODHA

Sentient Anger (Sattivka Krodha): The Propounder of Ananda Marga, Baba – Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji is the embodiment of dharma. One of the characteristics of a dharmika is akrodha or non-anger. Baba perfectly embodies this quality. Those close to Baba understood that He never became angry. Only He would feign anger or show as if He was angry in order to teach and impress upon others the severity of a particular situation. By this way He would express sentient anger. So never can one truly say that Baba was ever furious or mad etc. Just He would display anger externally in order to lovingly guide His devotees.

Baba says, “Suppose a person commits a wrong by accepting a bribe. While receiving the bribe he thinks that no one is watching, but that is impossible. A third entity is watching everything. No one can do anything secretly in this universe. But the bribe-taker thinks the opposite because avidyá shakti has placed a veil between him and the Supreme Being. This is a very dangerous situation. It is just like a hare being chased by a hunter: the hare sits down and covers its eyes with its ears and, thinks, “I cannot see anything, so the hunter cannot see anything either. Hence he won’t be able to kill me.” This is a deadly mistake! Wherever one commits a wrong, be it in the depths of the ocean or in a high mountain cave, one cannot escape the consequences: one will certainly be detected one day or another.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 18)

In His above teaching, Baba guides us that no deed goes unseen in this universe. Some people mistakenly think that they can commit wrongful crimes and atrocities and keep those ills hidden. But, as Baba says, that is impossible. Parama Purusa sees everything. One will have to face the consequences – there is no way out, nowhere to hide. For every misdeed, there is a corresponding consequence. It is inevitable; there is no escape. That is Baba’s explicit warning.

RECENT DOWNFALL OF ONE GENERAL & COUNTER-TERRORISM SPECIALIST

Last month, General David Petraeus, the head of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), was taken down in scandal, the irony of which cannot be overlooked.

Over the course of his lengthy, multi-decade career as a military officer, strategist, and counter-terrorism leader, General Petraeus has engaged in numerous types of dealings. Here is a short bio of his career:

– He was the Director of the CIA from June 30, 2011 to December 2012.

– CIA carries out signature drone strikes that have killed countless, innocent citizens in various countries.

– Plus the CIA is arguably the most covert, clandestine organisation in the world that oversees countless operatives, secret alliances and investigations, undercover attacks, and a vast array of operations.

– And Petraeus is “in” on all of this, because he was the head of the CIA.

AS A TOP MILITARY COMMANDER:

– As a top general in the military, Petraeus did so many operations, including arranging the sales of arms to various governments so big capitalists could profit.

– The US sells arms and weapons to those governments around the world which they want to keep in power. Even if the government is crushing their own people, such as in Bahrain, the US will continue to provide arms to those corrupt leaders in exchange for their loyalty and / or resources. The US has done this all over the world – they have supported debased, despotic leaders across the Middle & Far East to throughout Latin / Central America, and on every continent from Africa to Europe.

– In those areas where the US is not in favour of the regime, then the US military will arrange for the selling of arms to various combatants and militia groups in order to topple the regime such as in Iran. The US has been giving arms to various militants around the world and even drug lords like Manuel Noriega of Panama. Often the US supports militia groups and helps them gain power; once in power they embark in so many hostilities and the US often has to invade to bring them down. In this way, the US military creates so many problems. And General Petraeus has been part of all this for decades.

Through an unusual chain of events, an investigative team came across a secret email account that General Petraeus shared with one woman where they talked in detail of their illicit relationship etc. Both were already married. Their secret affair was further examined and ultimately exposed, thereby forcing General Petraeus to step down from his position as head of the CIA and retire. He lost his post and stature, after it was uncovered that he was involved with two females.

Interestingly, he was using the same email trick that terrorists use: Never send the actual email; just write a letter and place it in the ‘drafts’ folder, then the other person logs into that same account and reads the message in the drafts folder. That way there is no email transmission and everything is “secret.” This is what terrorists do and this is what Petraeus did.

Yet, he was exposed. How ironic is it that the one man who was hailed as the greatest expert in secret intelligence – and had all resources, technology, and techniques at his finger tips – was brought down by his own tactics.

Indeed, in this universe it is impossible to hide. Those involved in wrongdoing will be exposed.

PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCE

While the events leading to the downfall of General Petraeus are quite dramatic, and depict how even the most sophisticated agent of secret intelligence can be caught and exposed, Baba’s teaching is not limited to such decorated leaders alone.

In each and every place, big or small, wherever people reside there are some who misuse their power. Blinded by ego they think, “nothing can harm me, I may do as I please.” In that way they cheat and harm others. It may be between husband and wife, boss and employee, neighbor to neighbor, group to group, or whomever. Wherever one person or group grabs the upper hand then they generally fall under the false notion that they are unbeatable.

But in all such circumstances, they will one day meet their fate and undergo the consequences of their misdeeds. There is nowhere to run or hide. Everyone must be accountable to their each and every action. That is divine law.

So none should think that only highly posted government agents are prone to being exposed. No one should think, “This does not apply to me.”

As Baba guides us, this rule applies universally for everyone. Where there is sin – where there is injustice – where there is corruption etc, there will be consequences to follow. The remarkable response is that one’s ego does not allow them to think that they too will meet their fate. No one thinks that they will be caught.

All should be alert and know that there is no place to hide – all one’s actions are seen by Parama Purusa.

BABA’S TEACHING

We should all live by the tenets of yama and niyama and inspire others to do that same. In that way we can march forward onto the path of spirituality. Then our reactions will just be sweet and blissful.

We should be cent-per-cent vigilant that our actions are just. When, cent per cent of the time we can remember that Parama Purusa is watching us – and that there is no place to hide – then we will save ourselves from all kinds of troubles and hardship.

Baba says, “In an attempt to escape from one’s sins and misdeeds you may retire to the Himalayas from Kanpur, but you cannot go beyond that. So the question arises, where will you escape to? Suppose you commit some wrong, and to escape the evil outcome of those misdeeds and avoid punishment you try to hide yourself in the sky or in an unknown place or at the bottom of the sea or in a mountain cave. But can you really hide yourself anywhere? In fact in this universe there is not an inch of space where one can conceal oneself.” (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 11)

Namaskar,
at His feet,
Satyadeva

Note 1: HERE AGAIN IS BABA’S TEACHING

Baba says, “Nothing is hidden from Him. Humans cannot conceal anything they do from Him. If you say to somebody, “Don’t tell anyone about this,” Parama Puruśa hears you saying privately not to tell anyone. Therefore it is said that He has a separate face for each unit being, with which He sees everyone. Na antariikśe na samudramajjhe – “Neither in the sky, nor in the ocean,” nor in a cave, can you hide yourself. Nowhere in the Cosmos can you hide from Him.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 21)
PRABHAT SAMGIITA
“Bhulo kare eso priyo a’ma’r ei kut’ire…” P.S. 1808

Purport:

O’ my Dearmost Baba, it seems that knowingly You do not want to come in my hut. Please, at least, come once – if only by mistake. It is true that I do
not have any quality or attribution – nor do I have devotion. Then by which force can I call You. To call You and request You to come to my home, devotion is needed. And that I do not have. That is why I request You to please come by Your causeless grace. Baba, You know that I am not the ocean of knowledge; nor do I have a huge quantity of intellect. I am completely loaded with imperfections and impurities. Nobody likes to look toward me; everyone avoids me thinking that I am a most ordinary type of being. Baba, please grace me. Baba, I have full faith and trust. You are my hope – of my hopeless heart; You are my colourful dream. My entire longing and my entire thirst and whole love is revolving around You. Baba, You are my everything. Please keep me close or away, it is up to You…